So you’ve decided to sign up for a Hyrox race — but now you’re staring at a list of divisions and wondering which one is right for you. Open, Pro, Doubles, Relay: they all cover the same iconic course of 8 x 1km runs and 8 functional stations, but the weights, the format and the experience differ in ways that matter. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose.

Hyrox Open: The Best Place to Start

The Open division is where the vast majority of first-timers begin, and for good reason. You complete the full race solo — all 8km of running and all eight stations on your own — using standard weights that are challenging but achievable for most regularly training gym-goers.

Think a 152kg sled push for men (102kg for women), a 6kg wall ball for men (4kg for women), and moderate loads on the farmers carry and sandbag lunges. If you can run a few kilometres and you’ve spent time doing functional strength work, Open is designed for you. It’s the division to pick if this is your first race or you simply want to enjoy the experience and get a benchmark time.

Hyrox Pro: For the Serious Athlete

The Pro division is the same race, turned up. Every weighted station gets heavier: the men’s sled push jumps to 202kg, wall balls increase to 9kg for men and 6kg for women, and the carries and lunges load up accordingly. The runs and rep counts stay the same, so Pro is purely a strength-and-grit escalation.

Pro is for experienced athletes who’ve already completed an Open race, train seriously, and want to test themselves against the toughest standard. If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, you’re probably better served by nailing an Open time first.

Hyrox Doubles: Share the Load

Doubles is run as a pair, and it’s one of the most popular ways to race. You and your partner run all 8km together, side by side, then share the reps at each station however you like — one person works while the other rests, or you split the reps down the middle.

Station weights stay the same as the individual race (Open or Pro), but because you’re sharing the workload, the muscular demand per person drops significantly. Doubles is fantastic for first-timers who want company, for training partners chasing a shared goal, or for anyone who finds the running more manageable than the stations.

Hyrox Relay: The Team Event

Relay is the most social and beginner-friendly option of all. A team of four splits the race, with each member completing two runs and two stations before tagging the next teammate. Everyone uses Open weights.

Because each person only tackles a quarter of the course, Relay is far less physically demanding — ideal for corporate teams, groups of friends, or newcomers who want a taste of the Hyrox atmosphere without committing to the full distance.

Which Division Should You Enter?

If it’s your first race and you want the full solo challenge, choose Open. Craving company or easing in? Go Doubles or Relay. Already conquered Open and hungry for more? Step up to Pro.

Whichever you pick, the training is the same foundation: run, lift, and repeat. At TWL, we’ve got the gear to get you race-ready — so choose your division and start training today.